Bill to authorize non-Indian gaming breaks Seminole deal

Thursday, October 27, 2011  

A bill to expand non-Indian gaming in Florida would break the Class III compact with the Seminole Tribe if it becomes law.

The tribe signed the deal in 2010. It requires the tribe to share about $250 million a year for the first five years, and more in subsequent years.

But the revenue sharing stops if the tribe loses exclusivity to Class III games like blackjack and poker. "It's really hard to know what might be developed in South Florida and what effect that might have," a spokesperson for the tribe told The Naples Daily News.

To make up for the loss, the bill requires up to three potential casino developers to pay $50 million up front for a license and to invest at least $2 billion in their projects. The application fee is refundable.

Get the Story:
'Destination casino' bill sets stage for gambling debate in Florida (The South Florida Sun Sentinel 10/27)
New gambling bill allowing East Coast mega-casinos could hurt local gaming facilities (The Naples Daily News 10/27)
Gaming bill stops plans in Lee (The Fort Myers News-Press 10/27)
Legislators file destination casino bills (The South Florida Sun Sentinel 10/26)
Gaming Expansion and Seminole Compact (Capitol News Service 10/26)